Help me decide!

[Astraia]

I ordered a used WAHM SSC recently, just got it in the mail Monday.

We hate it. Absolutely hate it. There's no sleeping hood and the back isn't formed enough to provide proper head support for a sleeping baby. The shoulder straps are too short, they slide off my shoulders pretty easily (and I have very broad shoulders) and is completely useless for DH who has rather sloped shoulders to begin with. The straps also don't seem to attach to the body properly, so there is only tension on the outside "rail" which means it REALLY digs in and is quite painful. There is no chest belt or clip.

So now I'm out $50 that we barely had to begin with and are no further ahead.

We usually wrap DD but DH won't experiment with new carries so it's getting uncomfortable for him, and it seems I am not capable of wrapping over all our winter gear with a big pregnant belly.

I'm worried that an Ergo or other SSC would have the same problem- that it'd just slide off (especially for DH, his shoulders slope a fair bit).

We tried out a Mei Tai several months ago, and I didn't like it- I found even with the "lightly padded" waist it seemed to REALLY dig into my hips (I don't remember the brand, sorry) but it seemed like a good option because DH can cross the straps.

Any suggestions on what we might try? I just REALLY don't want to shell out any more money unless I know it'll work.

[MommaShark]

How tall are you and DH and what sort of body type?
Check out the Pikkolo w/waist belt and look at thebabywearer.com
I prefer my Pikkolo to my Ergo - taller body, better for front carries, straps can cross or be used like the Ergo.

[weliveintheforest]

it might help quite a bit if you can make a chest strap by tying a handkerchief or piece of cloth. have you talked to the wahm about your concerns?

[Astraia]

Originally Posted by weliveintheforest

it might help quite a bit if you can make a chest strap by tying a handkerchief or piece of cloth. have you talked to the wahm about your concerns?

I got it used from someone else, not directly from the WAHM.

I can do that if I'm doing a back carry, but DH can't do that on himself when he's doing a front carry (since he'd trying to tie something behind his head). I've considered buying a buckle and sewing that on so he can clip it closed, but it doesn't fix it digging into our shoulders either.

[Astraia]

Originally Posted by MommaShark

How tall are you and DH and what sort of body type?
Check out the Pikkolo w/waist belt and look at thebabywearer.com
I prefer my Pikkolo to my Ergo - taller body, better for front carries, straps can cross or be used like the Ergo.

DH is 5'9 and on the thin side
I'm 5'5 and 150- and 7.5 months pregnant

I'll check out the Pikkolo, thanks for the recommendation.

[pixiepunk]

you might like one of the hybrids that have a structured waist but mei tai straps. the waist is just like a SSC, not just lightly padded but fully structured, but you still have the ability to cross the straps. and if you like to wrap, you might prefer wrap straps on your carrier - babies beyond borders makes a carrier you might like - wrap-style mei tai straps with a very structured waist. and they are not too pricey compared to most carriers on the market. check out Heavenly Hold - they have a good return policy, so if you hated it you'd be able to return it.

[Astraia]

Originally Posted by pixiepunk

you might like one of the hybrids that have a structured waist but mei tai straps. the waist is just like a SSC, not just lightly padded but fully structured, but you still have the ability to cross the straps. and if you like to wrap, you might prefer wrap straps on your carrier - babies beyond borders makes a carrier you might like - wrap-style mei tai straps with a very structured waist. and they are not too pricey compared to most carriers on the market. check out Heavenly Hold - they have a good return policy, so if you hated it you'd be able to return it.

I think that's the kind of thing that might suit me really well, but I think DH isn't a wrapper at heart. I'm not sure if he'd be into the "fiddly" aspect of the mei tai style straps... of course, I'm not really into the lack of versatility with a SSC so maybe we should compromise!

I'll look into that, thanks.

[MommaShark]

The Pikkolo is nice because it works for a variety of body shapes. You can use it MeiTei style (still has buckles) or buy the waist belt. The straps are comfy! For back carries it's great for men because you can cross the straps in the front (this works for women if they don't mind the breasts in the way - it crosses between them and accentuates!) It's my go to carrier for easy in and out front carries.

I purchased a freehand meitai as well and bought an after market hood which is an option but it sounds like your SSC has other issues besides no hood. I like it because I can get it to hig my body better than any SSC (Ergo, Beco, Pikkolo) and I've gotten used to the long straps. It's my go to carrier for back carries (4 month old) because I can get DD closer to my back than the SSCS - DH prefers the Pikkolo for back carries because he crosses the straps in the front.

Someone mentioned the babies beyond borders mei tai or buckle tai....I would buy one of those just to check it out but can't justify it since my carriers are great!